UK Construction Sector Growth Stats

In headline figures produced by the ONS, the estimated level of the total volume of construction output in the third quarter of 2012 was the lowest since the second quarter of 1999.

The construction sector is one of the most volatile sectors in the economy, and can be seen as a barometer for the wider economy and economic performance. Although there are signs of some recovery in infrastructure investment, the current outlook looks pessimistic for future economic recovery.

The fall in construction during the 2008/09 recession was greater than the previous recession during 1991. Note the boom in construction during the late 1980s was much greater than the limited growth between 2005-08.

Recently, the biggest falls have been in the private industrial and private commercial sectors of construction.

The private commercial sector provides the largest contribution to the decline in the third quarter of 2012, but is offset somewhat by an increase in new infrastructure work.

Housing Construction

Housing construction also remains depressed in the aftermath of the fall in house prices and fragile housing market.

Construction Sector also includes related service industries, such as construction materials and products; suppliers and producers; building services manufacturers, providers and installers; contractors, sub-contractors, professionals, advisors and construction clients and those organisations that are relevant to the design, build, operation and refurbishment of buildings. (BIS)

Important for determining supply side growth and preventing future bottlenecks.

Shortage of housing construction can put upward pressure on house-prices due to supply constraints.

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